US20160045207A1 - Flexible bone reamer - Google Patents

Abstract

A bone reamer is provided and may include a shaft and a cutting element. The shaft may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible portion. The flexible portion may be disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The cutting element may be carried by the shaft and may include a cutting surface facing the distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft may be offset from the cutting surface.

Description

FIELD
• The present disclosure relates generally to a device and method for reaming bone, and more particularly to a bone reamer having a flexible shaft portion.
BACKGROUND
• This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.
• Surgical procedures for repairing or reconstructing a joint may require securely fastening a surgical implant to a bone. For example, procedures such as reverse shoulder arthroplasty, for reconstructing a shoulder joint, may require fixing a glenoid implant to a scapula to reproduce or replicate a glenoid cavity on the scapula. These procedures may involve fixing a bone graft to the glenoid and/or reaming the glenoid in order to account for bone deficiencies and erosion of the glenoid over time.
• While known surgical procedures for reaming bones, including glenohumeral joints, have proven to be acceptable for their intended purposes, a continuous need for improvement in the relevant arts remains.
SUMMARY
• This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features
• According to one particular aspect, the present disclosure provides a bone reamer. The bone reamer may include a shaft and a cutting element. The shaft may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible portion. The flexible portion may be disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The cutting element may be carried by the shaft and may include a cutting surface facing the distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft may be offset from the cutting surface.
• In some configurations, the cutting element may include a plurality of radially extending cutting arms.
• In some configurations, the cutting element may include a propeller-shaped profile.
• In some configurations, the cutting element may include circular profile.
• In some configurations, the shaft may define a cannula.
• In some configurations, the cannula may include a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
• In some configurations, at least a portion of the second portion may be aligned with the flexible portion of the shaft.
• In some configurations, the shaft may include a plurality of link members selectively coupled to one another to cooperatively define a cannula.
• In some configurations, the shaft may further include a ring member coupled to a distal most link member of the plurality of link members. The ring member may define the distal end of the shaft.
• In some configurations, the cutting element may be coupled to the ring member.
• In some configurations, the cutting element may be monolithically formed with the shaft.
• According to another particular aspect, the present disclosure provides a bone reaming system. The bone reaming system may include a bone reamer and a guide. The bone reamer may include a shaft and a cutting element. The cutting element may be carried by the shaft. The shaft may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible portion. The flexible portion may be disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The guide may include a body portion having a boss, a hub and a cannula. The boss may extend along a first longitudinal axis. The hub may extend along a second longitudinal axis. The cannula may be formed within the boss and the hub and may extend along the first longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis may form an angle α with the first longitudinal axis.
• According to yet another particular aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of reaming a bone. The method may include providing a reaming guide having a first portion extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second portion extending along a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis may define a non-parallel angle with the first longitudinal axis. The method may also include anchoring the first portion of the reaming guide to the bone. The method may further include coupling a reamer to the second portion of the reaming guide. The reamer may include a shaft and a cutting element carried by the shaft. The method may also include bending the shaft portion. The method may also include rotating the reamer about the hub portion.
• Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
• The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 1 is perspective view of a reaming system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the reaming system shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3A is an exploded view of another reaming system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
• FIG. 3B is an exploded view of a portion of the reaming system shown inFIG. 3A;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a reamer, for use with the reaming systems shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
• FIG. 5A is a side view of a guide of the reaming systems ofFIGS. 1 and 3;
• FIG. 5B is a side view of another configuration of the guide of the reaming systems ofFIGS. 1 and 3;
• FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the guide ofFIG. 5B; and
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the guide shown inFIG. 6, taken through the line7-7.
• Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
• With initial reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, a reaming system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is illustrated and identified atreference character10. As illustrated inFIG. 2, according to one exemplary use, the reamingsystem10 may be used to prepare a glenoid12 of a glenohumeral joint during shoulder arthroplasty. It will also be appreciated, however, that the present teachings may be adapted to prepare various bones and joints during a surgical procedure.
• The reamingsystem10 may generally include areamer14, aguide16, and aguide wire18. Prior to addressing the particular components of the reamingsystem10, a brief discussion of the exemplary use environment is warranted. The glenohumeral joint is generally formed between a humerus (not shown) and aglenoid portion12 of a scapula. Specifically, a portion (e.g., a humeral head) of the humerus fits into the glenoid12 on the end of the scapula. As will become appreciated from the following discussion, a surgeon may prepare an incision that is relatively small to accommodate the reamingsystem10. The reamingsystem10 may subsequently be inserted through the incision to ream the glenoid12. Subsequent to reaming, the reamingsystem10 can be removed from the patient through the incision.
• Thereamer14 may include ashaft30 and a cutting element orportion32. Theshaft30 may extend between aproximal end34 and adistal end36. Theshaft30 may include a drivingportion35 and aflexible portion37. The drivingportion35 may be located at theproximal end34, and may be conventionally configured to interface and interconnect with a drill (not shown) or other driver for rotating thereamer14. As illustrated inFIG. 2, theshaft30 may define a substantially hollow construct having a cannula orpassage42, including a first orupper portion42a,and a second orlower portion42b.Theupper portion42amay extend along afirst axis44aand include a first diameter D1. Thelower portion42bmay extend along asecond axis44band include a second diameter D2 that is greater than the first diameter D1. In one configuration, the second diameter D2 may be between one hundred and four hundred percent of the first diameter D1.
• In a first position, the first andsecond axes44a,44bmay extend in a direction substantially parallel to the y-axis (FIG. 1). In a second position, theflexible portion37 may bend or otherwise flex, such that thesecond axis44bmay extend in more than one direction, including portions extending in directions parallel to the x-, y-, and/or z-axes (FIG. 2). The configuration of the first and second diameters D1, D2 of thepassage42 may allow theguide wire18 to extend in a substantially linear direction (e.g., parallel to the y-axis and thefirst axis44b) within thepassage42, while theflexible portion37 of theshaft30 flexes or otherwise extends in more than one direction, as illustrated inFIG. 2.
• As illustrated inFIG. 3A, another configuration of a reaming system10amay include areamer14ahaving aflexible portion37a.Theflexible portion37amay include a plurality oflink members38 and aterminal ring member40. Thelink members38 and thering member40 may each include a substantially hollow construct, defining alower portion42bof thepassage42. Thelink members38 may each extend between aproximal end46 and adistal end48. The proximal and distal ends46,48 may each include a plurality of axially extendinglobes50. As illustrated inFIG. 3B, in one configuration, thelobes50 are substantially T-shaped, such thatconsecutive lobes50 define a substantially T-shaped space or void52 therebetween. In this regard, thelobes50 and thevoids52 may be generally equally sized and spaced, such that thelobe50 of afirst link member38 is coupled to, and hingedly engaged with, thevoid52 of asecond link member38. While thelobes50 and voids52 are shown and described herein as being substantially T-shaped, it will be appreciated that thelobes50 and voids52 may have other shapes and configurations, such that thelobes50 and voids52 on consecutive oradjacent link members38 are hingedly coupled to one another.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B, thering member40 may extend between aproximal end54 and adistal end56. Theproximal end54 may include a plurality of thelobes50 and thevoids52, such that theproximal end54 can be coupled to, and hingedly engaged with, thedistal end48 of thelink member38. Thedistal end56 of thering member40 may be substantially circular, defining an inner diameter D3. The inner diameter D3 may be substantially equal to the second diameter D2 of thepassage42.
• The cuttingportion32 may include at least one radially extending cuttingarm60. As illustrated, in one configuration, the cuttingportion32 can include two cuttingarms60, such that the cuttingportion32 can generally provide a profile similar to a blade or propeller having a reduced overall profile that can be suitable for insertion through the incision. It will be appreciated, however, that the cuttingportion32 may include more or less than two cuttingarms60 within the scope of the present disclosure.
• The cuttingarms60 may be coupled to theflexible portion37 of theshaft30, such that thedistal end36 of theshaft30 may be offset from, or otherwise extend axially beyond, the cuttingarms60. With reference toFIG. 2, in one configuration the cuttingarms60 may be coupled to thering member40 between the proximal and distal ends54,56 thereof. In this regard, thedistal end56 of thering member40 may be offset from, or otherwise extend axially beyond, a cutting surface ordistal end62 of the cuttingarms60. The cuttingarms60 may be coupled to and supported by thering member40 with mechanical fasteners, a weld, or any other suitable fastening technique. In one configuration, the cuttingarms60 may be integrally and monolithically formed with theflexible portion37 of theshaft30. Thedistal end62 of the cuttingarms60 may include a plurality of cuttingteeth64 formed thereon.
• With reference toFIG. 4, another configuration of areamer14bis shown. Thereamer14bmay be used with the reamingsystems10 and10a.In this regard, the structure and function of thereamer14bmay be similar or identical to the structure and function of thereamer14 described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the figures. Accordingly, similar features will not be described again in detail. Like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., “b”) are used to identify those components that have been modified.
• Thereamer14bmay include theshaft30 and a cuttingportion32b.The cuttingportion32bmay include a substantially circular shape. Adistal end62bof the cuttingportion32bmay include a substantially spherical cutting surface64 (shown in simplified form).
• With reference toFIGS. 1,3A and5A, theguide16 may include abody64 and aflange70. Thebody64 may include aboss66 and ahub68. Theboss66 may extend between aproximal end72 and adistal end74 along afirst axis76. Thedistal end74 may define afirst end surface77 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to thefirst axis76. Theboss66 may define a size and shape that corresponds to, or otherwise matches, the size and shape of anaperture79 formed in the glenoid12 and/or a portion of a glenoid implant (not shown). As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 5A, theboss66 may further define a first aperture orpassage78 extending in a direction substantially parallel to thefirst axis76. In this regard, thefirst passage78 may be concentrically formed relative to theboss66.
• Thehub68 may include a substantially cylindrical portion extending between aproximal end80 and adistal end82 along asecond axis81. Thehub68 may further define an outer diameter D4 that is substantially equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter D3 of thering member40. In this regard, an outer surface of thehub68 may be tapered such that the diameter D4 may vary between the proximal and distal ends80,82. As illustrated inFIG. 3A, theproximal end80 of thehub68 may define asecond end surface84 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond axis81. With reference toFIG. 5A, thesecond axis81 may define an angle α with thefirst axis76. The angle α may be between five degrees (5°) and thirty degrees (30°). In one configuration, the angle α may be substantially equal to fifteen degrees (15°). Thedistal end82 may be coupled to, or monolithically formed with, theproximal end72 of theboss66. In this regard, thehub68 may extend from theboss66 at the angle α. Thehub68 may define a second aperture orpassage86 extending in a direction substantially parallel to thefirst axis76. In this regard, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 5A, thesecond passage86 may be eccentrically formed relative to thehub68. In one configuration, thesecond passage86 may be in communication with thefirst passage78. In this regard, as illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 7, the first andsecond passages78,86 may be defined by a continuous, cylindrical inner surface88 of theguide16.
• With reference toFIG. 1, theflange70 may extend radially outward from thebody64 and about thefirst axis76 by an angle β. The angle β may be between forty-five degrees (45°) and two hundred forty degrees (240°). As illustrated inFIG. 6, in one configuration, the angle β may be substantially equal to one hundred eighty degrees (180°). In one configuration, theflange70 may be monolithically formed with thebody64. It will be appreciated, however, that theflange70 may also be separately formed and thereafter coupled to thebody64.
• Theflange70 may include a support surface90 (FIG. 5A) and a guide surface92 (FIG. 1). Thesupport surface90 may generally face thedistal end74 of theboss66 and extend from thebody64 in a direction substantially perpendicular to thefirst axis76. In this regard, as illustrated inFIG. 5A, thesupport surface90 may include a convex or spherically shaped contour to match, or otherwise align with, a portion of the glenoid12.
• With reference toFIGS. 5B,6, and7, another configuration of aguide16ais shown. Theguide16amay be substantially similar to theguide16, except as otherwise provided herein. Accordingly, like reference numerals may be used to describe similar features and components, and similar features and components will not be described again in detail. Theguide16amay include at least onepeg portion91 extending from thesupport surface90. Thepeg portion91 may include a substantially cylindrical construct extending in a direction substantially parallel to thefirst axis76. In this regard, it will be appreciated that theguide16 may be used in a reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedure, while theguide16amay be used in an anatomic shoulder arthroplasty procedure.
• With reference toFIG. 5B, theguide surface92 may generally oppose thesupport surface90 and may include afirst portion92aand asecond portion92b.Thefirst portion92amay extend radially outward from thebody64 in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond axis81. Thesecond portion92bmay extend outward from thefirst portion92ain a direction substantially perpendicular to thefirst axis76. In this regard, thesupport surface90 and thefirst portion92aof theguide surface92 may define an angle δ therebetween. The angle δ may be substantially equal to the angle α. Accordingly, as illustrated in at leastFIGS. 5A and 5B, theflange70,70amay substantially define a ramp or wedge-shaped portion of theguide16,16a,respectively.
• Theguide surface92 and thehub68 may define a groove orchannel94 therebetween. Thechannel94 may extend circumferentially about thefirst axis76 and extend axially in a direction substantially parallel to thesecond axis81. As illustrated inFIG. 7, thechannel94 may include a radially extendingstop surface96 and an axially extending guide surface98 (relative to the second axis81). In this regard, thestop surface96 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond axis81, and theguide surface98 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to thesecond axis81.
• An example method of preparing a bone, such as the glenoid12 for an anatomic or reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedure will now be described. First, a surgeon may prepare the incision to accommodate the reamingsystem10. Theguide wire18 can be inserted through the incision and anchored into the scapula. The scapula of the glenoid12 can be reamed or otherwise drilled to accommodate theboss66 and/or thepeg portions91. Theguide16 can be coupled to theguide wire18 by feeding theguide wire18 through the first andsecond passages78,86 until thesupport surface90 is adjacent to, and supported by, the glenoid12, as illustrated inFIG. 2. In this regard, it will be appreciated that theboss66 and thepeg portion91 may be received within bores or apertures formed in the glenoid12.
• Thereamer14 may be coupled to theguide16 by feeding theguide wire18 through thepassage42 until the cuttingportion32 is adjacent to thehub68 of theguide16. As theguide wire18 is fed through thepassage42, the cuttingportion32 may be in a first position such that the cuttingarms60 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis76 (FIG. 1). As thehub68 is received by thepassage42, thehub68 may cause theflexible portion37 to bend or flex, thus urging the cuttingportion32 into a second position such that the cuttingarms60 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second axis81 (FIG. 2). In this regard, it will be appreciated that thelink members38 may pivot or hinge relative to one another and relative to thering member40, such that the cuttingportion32 is moved from the first position to the second position. In both the first and second positions, theguide wire18 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to thefirst axis44aof thereamer14 and substantially parallel to thefirst axis76 of theguide16, as illustrated inFIG. 2. In the second position, the cuttingarms60 can contact the glenoid12.
• The drivingportion35 of thereamer14 can be coupled to the drill, or other similar driving device, that can be used to rotate thereamer14 about theguide wire18. As thereamer14 is rotated, the surgeon may apply a force F at theproximal end34 of theshaft30 in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis76 (FIG. 2) The force F may include a first component extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to thesecond axis81, and a second component extending in a direction substantially parallel to thesecond axis81. As thereamer14 rotates, the cuttingarms60 can ream or otherwise remove a portion of the glenoid12 until thedistal end36 of theshaft30 is received within thechannel94 and abuts thebody64, as illustrated inFIG. 2. In this regard, it will be appreciated that theshaft30 and theguide surface98 of thechannel94 can help to stabilize thereamer14 and thestop surface96 of thechannel94 can help to control the depth of the cut provided in the glenoid12, thus ensuring that the cuttingarms60 do not contact or otherwise interfere with theflange70 during the reaming operation.
• It will be appreciated that the reamingsystem10, including theshaft30 having theflexible portion37, and theguide16 having theboss66 extending along thefirst axis76 and thehub68 extending along thesecond axis81, provides a number of advantages, including allowing the surgeon to correct bone deformities (e.g., glenoid erosion) in a way that minimizes excessive reaming of the glenoid12. By minimizing excessive reaming of the glenoid12, thesystem10 can help to save valuable time during the surgical procedure, while also helping to ensure a consistent reaming process, and thus consistent results in the reamed glenoid12.
• The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
• Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
• The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
• When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
• Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
• Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A bone reamer comprising:

a shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible portion disposed between the proximal and distal ends; and

a cutting element carried by the shaft, the cutting element including a cutting surface facing the distal end of the shaft such that the distal end is offset from the cutting surface.

2. The bone reamer ofclaim 1, wherein the cutting element includes a plurality of radially extending cutting arms.

3. The bone reamer ofclaim 2, wherein the cutting element includes a propeller-shaped profile.

4. The bone reamer ofclaim 1, wherein the cutting element includes circular profile.

5. The bone reamer ofclaim 1, wherein the shaft defines a cannula.

6. The bone reamer ofclaim 1, wherein the cannula includes a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

7. The bone reamer ofclaim 6, wherein at least a portion of the second portion is aligned with the flexible portion of the shaft.

8. The bone reamer ofclaim 1, wherein the cutting element is monolithically formed with the shaft.

9. A bone reaming system comprising:

a bone reamer including a shaft and a cutting element carried by the shaft, the shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible portion disposed between the proximal and distal ends; and

a guide including body portion having a boss extending along a first longitudinal axis, a hub extending along a second longitudinal axis, and a cannula formed within the boss and the hub and extending along the first longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis forming an angle α with the first longitudinal axis.

10. The bone reaming system ofclaim 9, the guide further comprising a flange portion supported by the body portion, the flange portion including a first surface extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second axis.

11. The bone reaming system ofclaim 10, wherein the flange portion includes a second surface opposing the first surface, the second surface defining a substantially spherical profile.

12. The bone reaming system ofclaim 9, wherein the hub includes a tapered outer surface.

13. The bone reaming system ofclaim 9, wherein the body portion includes a channel disposed about the hub, the channel extending in a direction substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

14. The bone reaming system ofclaim 13, wherein the channel includes a stop surface extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis.

15. The bone reamer ofclaim 9, wherein the shaft defines a cannula.

16. The bone reamer ofclaim 15, wherein the cannula includes a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

17. The bone reamer ofclaim 16, wherein at least a portion of the second portion is aligned with the flexible portion of the shaft.

18. The bone reamer ofclaim 9, wherein the cutting element is monolithically formed with the shaft.

19. The bone reamer ofclaim 9, wherein the cutting element includes a cutting surface facing the distal end of the shaft such that the distal end is offset from the cutting surface

20. A method of reaming a bone, the method comprising:

providing a reaming guide having a first portion extending along a first longitudinal axis and a second portion extending along a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis defining a non-parallel angle with the first longitudinal axis;

anchoring the first portion of the reaming guide to the bone;

coupling a reamer to the second portion of the reaming guide, the reamer having a shaft and a cutting element carried by the shaft;

bending the shaft portion; and

rotating the reamer about the hub portion.

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